Why Is Every Minute Precious for a Stroke Patient?

30 July 2026 3 min read

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke is a condition in which blood flow to the brain is interrupted due to a blockage or the rupture of a blood vessel. Consequently, brain cells are deprived of sufficient oxygen and nutrients, causing them to begin sustaining damage within a short period.

This damage can lead to impaired bodily functions, ranging from limb weakness and speech difficulties to a loss of consciousness. Generally, strokes are classified into two types:

Ischemic stroke, which is a stroke caused by a blockage of blood vessels in the brain. This is the most common type.
Hemorrhagic stroke, which is a stroke caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, resulting in bleeding.

Recognize Stroke Symptoms Early

A stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms can appear suddenly, including:

The face appears lopsided, or one side of the face is difficult to move.
Weakness or numbness in the arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
Impaired balance or body coordination (ataxia).
Sudden loss of consciousness.
Vision problems or a sudden, severe headache.

If any of these symptoms appear, do not wait for them to improve. Immediately take the patient to a hospital equipped with stroke treatment facilities.

Why Is Timing Critical?

In stroke management, the concept "time is brain" applies, meaning that every minute of delay can result in further damage to brain cells.
To confirm the diagnosis, doctors will perform brain imaging using a CT scan or MRI.

MRI offers higher sensitivity for detecting ischemic stroke in the early stages, whereas CT scans are frequently used as an initial assessment because they are more readily available in emergency situations.

Modern Therapies for Ischemic Stroke

Advances in medicine now enable some ischemic stroke patients to receive therapies that can reopen blocked blood vessels.

Thrombolysis
Thrombolysis involves the use of the drug recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) to dissolve the blood clot causing the stroke. This therapy is most effective when administered within a maximum of 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. Studies indicate that rTPA administration can increase the likelihood of a good recovery by approximately 30% in patients who meet the eligibility criteria.
Mechanical Thrombectomy
For patients with a large vessel occlusion (LVO), doctors may perform mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure to remove the blood clot using a catheter inserted through the blood vessels.
This procedure can be performed up to 6–24 hours after symptom onset in patients who meet specific criteria. Mechanical thrombectomy has been shown to increase the chances of functional recovery by more than 50% compared to cases where the procedure is not performed.

Care in the Stroke Unit

Once the acute phase has been managed, the patient will undergo care in the Stroke Unit—a specialized unit involving neurologists, physiatrists (rehabilitation physicians), nurses, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals.

Care focuses not only on treating the stroke but also encompasses:

close monitoring of neurological status
control of blood pressure and blood sugar
management of brain swelling, if it occurs
screening for swallowing disorders (dysphagia)
early rehabilitation
and identification of risk factors to prevent recurrent stroke

Stroke Can Be Prevented

It is estimated that approximately 90% of stroke risk factors can actually be prevented through lifestyle changes and the management of underlying medical conditions. One simple recommended measure is to adopt the CERDIK principles, namely:

Get regular health check-ups.
Quit smoking.
Engage in physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week.
Maintain a balanced diet by limiting salt, sugar, fat, and high-cholesterol foods.
Get sufficient rest—about 6–8 hours daily.
Manage stress effectively.

Do Not Delay Seeking Help

A stroke is a time-critical condition. The sooner a patient receives the correct diagnosis and treatment, the greater the chances of minimizing disability and improving quality of life after the stroke. If you or someone around you experiences stroke symptoms, immediately go to a hospital equipped with stroke care services so that treatment can be administered within the critical "golden window."